The Amazing Cynicalman
Many years ago, Eclipse Comics released a regular-sized issue of mini-comics mainstay The Amazing Cynicalman by Matt Feazell. In the text pages of this comic, Feazell made readers an offer (no longer good, I am guessing) to send a free mini-comic to anyone who sent in their own drawing of the title stick-figure character, along with an SASE.
Well, I took him up on that offer, sending in my illustration of “The Amazing Cynicalman in 3-D” (yes, in red and blue ink) along with my SASE. Some time later, I came back from my first day of college to find two envelopes from Mr. Feazell! As it turns out, the SASE I used was too small, so Feazell used another envelope to send me my mini-comic. The envelope I did send he filled with photocopies of sketchbook material and a personal letter (mostly just to explain why he had to send another envelope!). Well, that was very cool, I thought, and even though I had been a fan before, I was even more of a fan now…and even 16 years later(!), he’s still one of my favorites.
Anyway, I found out just recently that he has a new book out, and I placed an order for it late Sunday evening. Today, Friday, I have it in my hands. Now that’s some fast shipping, especially for Christmastime! And it’s even signed, with a Cynicalman pencil sketch.
He’s still a cool guy, and I recommend that everyone visit his website and buy his stuff.
Two true stories:
1. When I first joined AOL (way back in the dark ages) I almost used “cynicalman” as my username…good thing I didn’t, because Feazell is using it now!
2. The very first issue of Scott McCloud’s Zot! I bought was the mini-comic Zot! in Dimension 10 1/2 drawn by Feazell in the stick-man style. That got me to read the regular Zot! comics and become a McCloud fan…so I have Feazell to thank for that as well.
